Battery placement for electrified vehicle

ABSTRACT

An electrified vehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of battery cells positioned along the chassis. The chassis includes a right frame member and a left frame member spaced apart in a lateral direction. The right frame member and the left frame member both include vertical portions, first end portions extending from first ends of the vertical portions towards each other, and second end portions extending from second ends of the vertical portions towards each other. The right frame member and the left frame member are configured to support a cab and a body. The right frame member and the left frame member extend lengthwise in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of battery cells are coupled with the right frame member and the left frame member by fasteners that couple with the vertical portions of the right frame member and the left frame member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/362,601, filed Jun. 29, 2021, which (a) claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/084,334, filedSep. 28, 2020, and (b) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/007,622, filed Aug. 31, 2020, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/851,149, filed Apr.17, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/842,934, filed May 3, 2019, all of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and othermaterial from residences and businesses. Operators of the refusevehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, anincineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an electrified vehicle. The electrifiedvehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of battery cells positionedalong the chassis. The chassis includes a right frame member and a leftframe member spaced apart in a lateral direction. The right frame memberand the left frame member both include vertical portions, first endportions extending from first ends of the vertical portions towards eachother, and second end portions extending from second ends of thevertical portions towards each other. The right frame member and theleft frame member are configured to support a cab and a body. The rightframe member and the left frame member extend lengthwise in alongitudinal direction. The plurality of battery cells are coupled withthe right frame member and the left frame member by fasteners thatcouple with the vertical portions of the right frame member and the leftframe member.

Another embodiment relates to an electrified vehicle. The electrifiedvehicle includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rearaxle coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a bodycoupled to the chassis, an electric motor coupled to the chassis, and aplurality of battery packs electrically coupled to the electric motor.The chassis includes a right frame member and a left frame member spacedfrom the right frame member. The right frame member and the left framemember each have a vertical portion and flanges at opposite ends of thevertical portion. The flanges of the right frame member and the leftframe member extend laterally inwards towards each other. The electricmotor is configured to drive at least one of the front axle or the rearaxle. The plurality of battery packs are supported by the chassis withcouplings that (a) are positioned along the right frame member and theleft frame member and (b) engage with the right frame member and theleft frame member vertically between the opposite ends of the verticalportions. An uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery packs isspaced a distance below a point at which the body contacts a top surfaceof the chassis.

Another embodiment relates to an electrified vehicle. The electrifiedvehicle includes a chassis defining an longitudinal axis, a front axlecoupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a cabcoupled to the chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, a plurality ofbattery packs including a first battery pack, a second battery pack, anda third battery pack, an electric motor coupled to the chassis andelectrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of battery packs,and a generator coupled to the chassis and electrically coupled to atleast one of the plurality of battery packs. The chassis includes aright frame member and a left frame member spaced from the right framemember. The right frame member and the left frame member each have amedial portion, a first flange at an upper end of the medial portion,and a second flange at a lower end of the medial portion. The firstflange of the right frame member and the first flange of the left framemember extend inwards towards each other. The second flange of the rightframe member and the second flange of the left frame member extendinwards towards each other. The electric motor is configured to drive atleast the rear axle. An upper periphery of at least the first batterypack and the second battery pack is positioned lower than the firstflange of the right frame member and the left frame member. The firstbattery pack and the second battery pack are supported by the rightframe member and the left frame member forward of the rear axle bycouplings at the medial portion of the right frame member and the leftframe member. The third battery pack is at least one of positionedrearward of the rear axle or centered about the longitudinal axis.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side section view of a battery pod assembly, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a bottommounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a topmounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having acentrally mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having atailgate mounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the refuse container of FIG. 1 having a framemounted battery pod, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-9B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having multiple batterypods, according to several exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a top mountedbattery pod, according to several exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 11A is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having batteriespositioned between chassis frame rails of the refuse vehicle, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 havingbatteries positioned between the chassis frame rails of the refusevehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a diagram of a battery positioned between C-shaped chassisframe rails of a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11D is a diagram of a battery positioned between L-shaped chassisframe rails of a refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having batteriespositioned between longitudinal body frame members above a chassis ofthe refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 havingbatteries positioned between the longitudinal body frame members abovethe chassis of the refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12C is a diagram of a portion of the refuse vehicle of FIGS.12A-12B with batteries positioned above the chassis beneath a floorsurface of the body, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a diagram of a battery positioned between both chassis framerails and body frame rails of a refuse vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a diagram of stacked batteries positioned between bothchassis frame rails and body frame rails of a refuse vehicle, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13C is a diagram of a battery positioned between body frame railsof a refuse vehicle, above a chassis of the refuse vehicle, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13D is a diagram of a side view of a body and frame of a refusevehicle, with batteries extending into a space of the body, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13E is a diagram of a body and frame of a refuse vehicle, withbatteries extending into a space of the body, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13F is a diagram of a body and frame of a refuse vehicle, withbatteries extending into a space of the body and between chassis framerails of the refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pod assembly for arefuse vehicle is disclosed herein. The battery pod assembly of thepresent disclosure provides many advantages over conventional systems.The battery pod assembly may include various stress mitigation devicesto mitigate mechanical stress (e.g., tensile stress, compressive stress,shear stress, cyclic stress, etc.), thermal stress (e.g., thermalcycling, thermal events, etc.), and/or physical ingress (e.g., wateringress, debris ingress, chemical ingress, etc.) on the battery podassembly and components thereof.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the battery pod assembly maybe positioned in various locations on the refuse vehicle such that thebattery pod assembly is readily accessible for regular maintenance.Additionally, components of the battery pod assembly may be modular suchthat the components can be swapped out or upgraded. For example, abattery cell may be upgraded to future battery cell chemistries not yetavailable.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the refuse vehicle includesbatteries positioned in a longitudinal direction between chassis framerails of the refuse vehicle, between body frame rails of the refusevehicle, or between both the chassis frame rails of the refuse vehicleand the body frame rails of the refuse vehicle. The batteries can be thebattery pod assembly and may include housings. The batteries may bestacked in a lateral or vertical direction and positioned between thechassis frame rails, between the body frame rails, or between both thechassis and the body frame rails. The chassis frame rails and the bodyframe rails define a space within which the batteries can be positioned.The batteries can be fastened or coupled with the body frame railsand/or the chassis frame rails depending on configuration andpositioning. The batteries can be hung from an underside of the body ofthe refuse vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle, shown as refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., agarbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recyclingtruck, etc.), is configured as a front-loading refuse truck. In otherembodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 is configured as a side-loadingrefuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments,the vehicle is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, atelehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , therefuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a bodyassembly, shown as body 14, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a rear endthereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled to the frame 12(e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.) forward of the body 14. The cab 16may include various components to facilitate operation of the refusevehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, actuatorcontrols, a user interface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the refuse vehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shownas electric motor 18, and an energy system, shown as a battery podassembly 20. In other embodiments, the prime mover is or includes aninternal combustion engine (e.g., a hybrid engine, etc.). According tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electric motor 18 iscoupled to the frame 12 at a position beneath the cab 16. The electricmotor 18 is configured to provide power to a plurality of tractiveelements, shown as wheels 22 (e.g., via a drive shaft, axles, etc.). Inother embodiments, the electric motor 18 is otherwise positioned and/orthe refuse vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electric motors tofacilitate independently driving one or more of the wheels 22. In stillother embodiments, the electric motor 18 or a secondary electric motoris coupled to and configured to drive a hydraulic system that powershydraulic actuators. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.1 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the frame 12 beneath thebody 14. In other embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is otherwisepositioned (e.g., within a tailgate of the refuse vehicle 10, beneaththe cab 16, along the top of the body 14, within the body 14, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pod assembly 20 isconfigured to receive, generate, and/or store power. The battery podassembly 20 is also configured to provide electric power to the electricmotor 18 to drive the wheels 22, electric actuators of the refusevehicle 10 to facilitate operation thereof (e.g., lift actuators,tailgate actuators, packer actuators, grabber actuators, etc.), and/orother electrically operated accessories of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g.,displays, lights, user controls, etc.). The battery pod assembly 20 mayinclude one or more rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries,nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lead-acidbatteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, iron-ion batteries, etc.),capacitors, solar cells, generators, power buses, etc. In oneembodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 is a completely electric refusevehicle. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 includes aninternal combustion generator that utilizes one or more fuels (e.g.,gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) to generateelectricity. The electricity may be used to charge one or more batteriesof the battery pod 20, power the electric motor 18, power the electricactuators, and/or power the other electrically operated accessories(e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, etc.). For example, the refuse vehicle10 may have an internal combustion engine augmented by the electricmotor 18 to cooperatively provide power to the wheels 22. The batterypod assembly 20 may thereby be charged via an on-board generator (e.g.,an internal combustion generator, a solar panel system, etc.), from anexternal power source (e.g., overhead power lines, mains power sourcethrough a charging input, etc.), and/or via a power regenerative brakingsystem. In these arrangements, the battery pod assembly 20 may include apower interface structure to facilitate charging the batteries of thebattery pod assembly. The power interface may be configured to receivepower from the on-board generator or the external power source. Thebattery pod assembly 20 may then provide power to the electricallyoperated systems of the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, thebattery pod assembly 20 provides the power to the to the electricallyoperated systems of the refuse vehicle 10 via the power interface. Insome embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes a heat managementsystem (e.g., liquid cooling, heat exchanger, air cooling, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 isconfigured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill,an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG.1 , the body 14 includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, atailgate 34, and a cover 36. The panels 32, the tailgate 34, and thecover 36 define a collection chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown asrefuse compartment 30. Loose refuse may be placed into the refusecompartment 30 where it may thereafter be compacted (e.g., by a packersystem, etc.). The refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storagefor refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body 14 and therefuse compartment 30 extend above or in front of the cab 16. Accordingto the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the body 14 and the refusecompartment 30 are positioned behind the cab 16. In some embodiments,the refuse compartment 30 includes a hopper volume and a storage volume.Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereaftercompacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment,the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab16 (e.g., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compartment 30behind the cab 16 and stored in a position further toward the rear ofthe refuse compartment 30, a front-loading refuse vehicle, aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the storagevolume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab 16 (e.g., arear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the refuse vehicle 10 includes a liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 40, coupled to the front end of the body 14. In otherembodiments, the lift assembly 40 extends rearward of the body 14 (e.g.,a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, thelift assembly 40 extends from a side of the body 14 (e.g., aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , the liftassembly 40 is configured to engage a container (e.g., a residentialtrash receptacle, a commercial trash receptacle, a container having arobotic grabber arm, etc.), shown as refuse container 60. The liftassembly 40 may include various actuators (e.g., electric actuators,hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc.) to facilitate engagingthe refuse container 60, lifting the refuse container 60, and tippingrefuse out of the refuse container 60 into the hopper volume of therefuse compartment 30 through an opening in the cover 36 or through thetailgate 34. The lift assembly 40 may thereafter return the empty refusecontainer 60 to the ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, adoor, shown as top door 38, is movably coupled along the cover 36 toseal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refusecompartment 30 (e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a portion11 of the refuse vehicle 10. The battery pod assembly 20 includes ashell show as pod structure 60 and one or more energy storage devicesshown as batteries 80. The pod structure 60 defines an internal volume62 of the battery pod assembly 20. The pod structure 60 includes anportal shown as door 61. The door 61 allows a user to access theinternal volume 62 from outside of the pod structure 60. The podstructure 60 is configured to mitigate the transmission of mechanicalloads (e.g., vibrations, shock, stress, etc.) from outside the batterypod assembly 20 to the internal volume 62. Additionally, the podstructure 60 is configured to mitigate water, debris, or chemicals fromentering the internal volume 62. In some embodiments, the pod structure60 includes a thermal insulating layer configured to mitigate againstthermal stress such as thermal cycling or thermal events. In otherembodiments the pod structure 60 may also electrically couple thebatteries 80 to each other and/or to the electrical systems of therefuse vehicle 10.

The battery pod assembly 20 includes one or more vehicle couplingdevices shown as external dampers 65 (e.g., dampers and/or isolators).The external dampers 65 are disposed between the pod structure 60 andthe refuse vehicle 10 and are configured to couple the battery podassembly 20 to the portion 11 of the refuse vehicle 10. The dampers 65are also configured to mitigate the transmission of active and/orpassive mechanical loads from the refuse vehicle to the battery podassembly 20 (e.g., to the pod structure 60). That is, the externaldampers 65 are configured as mechanical dampers such as a mechanicaldashpot, a fluid/hydraulic dashpot, a shock absorber, etc. In otherembodiments, the battery pod assembly may include other coupling devices(e.g., pins, linkages, latches, etc.) to couple the pod structure 60 tothe refuse vehicle 10.

The battery pod assembly 20 also includes one or more battery couplingdevices shown as internal dampers 68 (e.g., dampers and/or isolators).The internal dampers 68 are disposed within the internal volume 62 andbetween the pod structure 60 and one or more of the batteries 80. Theinternal dampers 68 are configured to couple the batteries 80 to the podstructure 60. The internal dampers 68 are also configured to mitigatethe transmission of active and/or passive mechanical loads from the podstructure 60 to the batteries 80. In some embodiments, the internaldampers 68 may be the same or substantially similar in structure to theexternal dampers 65. In other embodiments, the internal dampers 68 areconfigured as a different type of mechanical damper. For example, theexternal dampers 65 may be configured as fluid/hydraulic dashpots andthe internal dampers 68 may be configured as mechanical dashpots.

In some embodiments, the external dampers 65 and/or the internal dampers68 are also configured to capture energy from the active and/or passivemechanical loads. For example, the external dampers 65 and/or theinternal dampers 68 may utilize piezoelectric systems or other suitablesystems to capture active and/or passive vibrations passing through theexternal dampers 65 and/or the internal dampers 68.

The battery pod assembly 20 also includes a thermal management system70. The thermal management system is configured to mitigate againstthermal stress such as thermal cycling or thermal events. The source ofthe thermal stress may come from within the battery pod assembly 20(e.g., typical thermal energy generation from a conventional battery) orfrom an external source (e.g., a thermal event near the refuse vehicle10). In some embodiments, the thermal management system is configured toactively control the temperature of the battery pod assembly 20 within aspecified range. Accordingly, the thermal management system 70 mayadvantageously improve the operation of the refuse vehicle, for example,by keeping the batteries 80 within ideal operating temperatures thusincreasing the lifespan of the batteries 80.

The thermal management system includes various sensing devices shown asexternal sensors 71 and internal sensors 72. The external sensors 71 arepositioned on or near the pod structure 60 and are configured to sensean external temperature of the battery pod assembly 20. The internalsensors 72 are positioned within the internal volume 62 and areconfigured to sense an internal temperature of the battery pod assembly20.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the thermal managementsystem 70 may include a cooling assembly configured to reduce thetemperature of the battery pod assembly 20 and/or components thereof(e.g., the batteries 80). In some embodiments, the cooling assembly mayutilize a liquid cooling system that includes a thermal transfer liquid,a cold plate, a pump, a radiator, and radiator fans. In otherembodiments, the cooling assembly may utilize an air cooling system thatincludes a heatsink and fans. In still other embodiments, the coolingassembly may utilize other cooling systems including thermoelectricdevices (e.g., Peltier), heat pumps, fans, radiators, etc.

In other exemplary embodiments, the thermal management 70 systemincludes a heating assembly configured to increase the temperature ofthe battery pod assembly 20 and/or components thereof (e.g., thebatteries 80). The heating assembly may utilize an electric heatingdevice or other heating systems such as a thermoelectric device (e.g.,Peltier), heat pumps, etc.

In some embodiments, the thermal management system 70 includes acontroller. In some embodiments, the controller 70 is part of atemperature control system of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a chassistemperature controller). In other embodiments, the controller 70 is aseparate device coupled to the refuse vehicle 10. The controller may becoupled to one or more of the external sensors 71, the internal sensors72, the cooling assembly, and the heating assembly. The controller maybe configured to receive temperature data from one or more of theexternal sensors 71 and the internal sensors 72. The controller may alsobe configured to operate one or more of the cooling assembly and theheating assembly based on the temperature data. For example, one or moreof the external sensors 71 and the internal sensors 72 may providetemperature data indicating that the battery pod assembly 20 is belowideal operating temperatures. The controller may operate the heatingassembly to increase the operating temperature of the battery podassembly 20.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , the batteries 80 are configured to store andprovide electrical energy. The batteries 80 may each have a singlebattery cell or multiple battery cells (e.g., a battery pack).Additionally, the batteries 80 may be configured to have a particularelectrochemistry (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ionpolymer, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, iron-ion, etc.).

In some embodiments, the batteries 80 may be removably coupled to thebattery pod assembly 20 (e.g., coupled to the pod structure 60 via theinternal dampers 68) such that the batteries 80 are replaceable and/orupgradable. For example, a user may access the internal volume 62 toadd, remove, replace and/or upgrade the batteries 80. In still otherembodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 may be removably coupled to therefuse vehicle 10 such that a battery pod assembly 20 may be added,removed, replaced, and/or upgraded.

The battery pod assembly 20 may include an electric connection (e.g., apantograph, a current collector, a high-voltage line, etc.) shown aspower interface 81 to allow the battery pod assembly 20 to connect toexternal power sources (e.g., an overhead power line, the grid, acharging station, etc.). For example, the battery pod assembly 20 mayinclude a charging port to allow the batteries 80 to be charged whilethe battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g.,by a 220V charger). In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20includes an electrical bypass to power the refuse vehicle 10 from acharging source while the battery is being charged. In some embodiments,the battery pod assembly 20 connects to one or more power sources ofrefuse vehicle 10 (e.g., an internal combustion generator, a battery,etc.) to charge the batteries 80 of the battery pod assembly 20. Forexample, the battery pod assembly 20 may include a connection to anonboard diesel generator configured to provide power to the battery podassembly 20 for charging the batteries 80. In these arraignments, thebattery pod assembly 20 may connect to internal or external powersupplies or components via the power interface 81.

The battery pod assembly 20 may be modular such that the components ofthe battery pod assembly 20 may be easily removed, replaced, added, orupgraded. Additionally, the battery pod assembly 20 may be modular withitself such that two or more battery pods 20 may be coupled. Forexample, a particular refuse vehicle may require less power storage andtherefore may include fewer batteries 80 within the batter pod assembly20. Conversely, a refuse vehicle may require more power and include morebatteries 80 and/or more battery pod assemblies 20. In thesearrangements, the thermal management system may also be modular. Forexample, the thermal management system 70 may include a separate thermalmanagement assembly (e.g., a heating assembly, a cooling assembly, etc.)for each of the batteries 80. Alternatively, the thermal managementsystem 70 may include modular thermal transfer devices (e.g., a coldplate, etc.) for each of the batteries 80. For example, the coolingassembly may be configured as a water cooling assembly having one ormore cold plates for each of the batteries 80 and quick disconnecttubing to easily add or remove batteries. Alternatively, the thermalmanagement system 70 may include a modular rack system configured toreceive the batteries 80. The modular rack system may be configured toprovide heating and/or cooling to the batteries 80.

Now referring generally to FIGS. 3-10 , the battery pod assembly 20 maybe positioned in various locations on the refuse vehicle 10. Forexample, the battery pod may be coupled to the frame 12, the body 14,the cab 16, or other parts of the refuse vehicle 10. In otherembodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 may include more than one battery podassembly 20. In these arrangements, each of the battery pod assemblies20 may similarly be coupled to the frame 12, the body 14, the cab 16, orother parts of the refuse vehicle 10. The geometry of the pod structure60 may change to suitably conform to the location of the battery podassembly 20.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to therearward top portion of the body 14. In other embodiments, the batterypod assembly 20 is coupled to the forward top portion of the body 14. Insome embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is removable/detachablefrom the body 14. Locating the battery pod assembly 20 on top of thebody 14 allows easy access to the battery pod assembly 20. For example,a user may readily inspect and service the battery pod assembly 20because it is located on an external surface of the refuse vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to therearward bottom portion of the body 14. In other embodiments, thebattery pod assembly 20 is coupled to the forward bottom portion of thebody 14. As described above, battery pod assembly 20 may beremovable/replaceable. For example, the refuse vehicle 10 may include adoor on the side of the body 14 to allow removal and replacement of thebattery pod assembly 20. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly20 is located on a track such that the battery pod assembly 20 can beslid out from the body 14 similar to a drawer.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled between thecab 16 and the body 14. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20is coupled to the frame 12. Locating the battery pod assembly 20 betweenthe cab 16 and the body 14 reduces a rear weight of the refuse vehicle10, thereby reducing component stress of weight bearing members (e.g., arear axle). Furthermore, centrally locating the battery pod assembly 20protects the battery pod assembly 20 from damage in a mechanical impactevent. Furthermore, centrally locating the battery pod assembly 20allows easy modification/retrofitting of existing refuse vehicles toinclude the battery pod assembly 20. The battery pod assembly 20 may beeasily accessed and/or removed from the refuse vehicle 10. For example,the battery pod assembly 20 may include forklift pockets so that aforklift may easily remove the battery pod assembly 20 from the refusevehicle 10. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includesone or more eyelet connectors to receive a lifting hook or similarhoisting attachment. The battery pod assembly 20 may be configured toconnect to an external rail system to quickly replace the battery podassembly 20 by sliding it orthogonally off the refuse vehicle 10.

In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is configured todynamically change position on the refuse vehicle 10 based on loading ofthe refuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 maytranslate horizontally along the frame 12 toward the cab 16 or towardthe body 14 to change a weight distribution of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includes one or morecontrollers to measure the weight distribution of the refuse vehicle 10and adjust a position of the battery pod assembly 20 accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to thetailgate 34 of the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the batterypod assembly 20 is positioned vertically along a rearward side of therefuse compartment 30. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20is positioned substantially near the base of the tailgate 34 or as partof the tailgate 34. The battery pod assembly 20 may be configured to beaccessible via the tailgate 34. For example, a user could open thetailgate 34 to reveal battery pod assembly 20. In some embodiments, thetailgate 34 includes one or more rotating elements (e.g., hinges,mechanical bearings) to facilitate rotation around a rearward corner ofthe refuse compartment 30. For example, the tailgate 34 could includeone or more hinging mechanisms on a side to allow a user to open thetailgate 34 like a door and gain access to the battery pod assembly 20located along the frame 12 of the refuse vehicle 10. In someembodiments, the tailgate 34 is a double door. Swinging the tailgate 34open like a door requires less energy than lifting the tailgate 34.

In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 is fully integrated with thebattery pod assembly 20 and is configured to be removable/replaceable.For example, a first tailgate 34 having a first battery pod assembly 20could be replaced by a second tailgate 34 having a second battery podassembly 20 when the batteries 80 of the first battery pod assembly 20are depleted of energy. Removing and replacing the tailgate 34 may limitloss of vehicle operation due to charging time because the tailgate 34including the depleted battery pod assembly 20 may be charged separatelyof the refuse vehicle 10. Furthermore, swappable battery pod assembliesenable a smaller fleet of refuse vehicles to service the same areabecause the reduced downtime associated with battery charging enablesthe refuse vehicles to operate for longer periods of time. In someembodiments, a number of racks index one or more battery cells of thebattery pod assembly 20.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled between thebody 14 and the frame 12 (e.g., on a sub-frame). As described above, insome embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 may be configured totranslate horizontally along the frame 12 of the refuse vehicle 10. Forexample, the battery pod assembly 20 could move between a forwardportion and a rearward portion of the body 14 of the refuse vehicle 10such that the refuse vehicle 10 is evenly loaded. As described above, insome embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is removable and/orreplaceable. The battery pod assembly 20 may be accessed via a door on aside of the body 14 or via the tailgate 34. Similarly, the battery podassembly 20 may be removed and/or replaced by another battery podassembly. Alternatively, one or more individual battery cells (e.g.,batteries 80 of FIG. 2 ) of the battery pod assembly 20 could bereplaced. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 can beaccessed by removing the refuse compartment 30. For example, a refusevehicle with a removable refuse compartment (e.g., a container truck)may remove the refuse compartment to reveal the battery pod assembly 20.In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to therefuse compartment 30 itself and can be removed with the refusecompartment 30. For example, a refuse vehicle could swap a first fullrefuse compartment with a first battery pod assembly having depletedbatteries for a second empty refuse compartment with a second batterypod assembly having charged batteries.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-9B, several illustrations of an exemplaryplacement of the battery pod assembly 20 are shown, according to severalexemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly20 is coupled to a rearward top portion of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g.,above the refuse compartment 30, etc.). Additionally or alternatively,the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a rearward portion of therefuse vehicle 10. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may becoupled to the tailgate 34 and/or a rearward portion of the refusecompartment 30 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). As another example, thebattery pod assembly 20 may be coupled to a vertical rear surface of therefuse compartment 30. In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20or components thereof are coupled to the wheel 22. In some embodiments,the battery pod assembly 20 is coupled to a front and rear wheelset ofthe refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C). In variousembodiments, placement of the battery pod assembly 20 as shown in FIGS.8A-8C facilitates shifting weight rearward on the refuse vehicle 10,thereby reducing strain on forward load bearing components (e.g., afront axle, etc.). In some embodiments, the placement of the battery podassembly 20 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is preferred for a rear-loading refusevehicle 10. In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 includesa different number and/or arrangement of components than shownexplicitly in the FIGURES. For example, the battery pod assembly 20 mayinclude a first component coupled to an exterior hub surface of thefront wheels 22 electrically coupled to a second component integratedwith the tailgate 34. In some embodiments, the placement of the batterypod assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 9A-9B is preferred for a front-loadingrefuse vehicle 10 and/or a side-loading refuse vehicle 10. For example,the battery pod assembly 20 may be positioned on the lift assembly 40.In various embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20, or componentsthereof, are detachable from the refuse vehicle 10 as described indetail above.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, several illustrations of anotherexemplary placement of the battery pod assembly 20 are shown, accordingto several exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, the batterypod assembly 20 is coupled to a top portion of the refuse vehicle 10.For example, the battery pod assembly 20 may be coupled to a top portionof refuse compartment 30 and/or above the cab 16 (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 10A-10B). In some embodiments, the battery pod assembly 20 iscoupled to a canopy (or other structural element) located above the cab16. Additionally or alternatively, the battery pod assembly 20, orcomponents thereof, may be coupled to the wheels 22. For example, afirst component of the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., a battery cell,etc.) may be coupled to an exterior hub region of the wheels 22 and asecond component of the battery pod assembly 20 (e.g., a powerconverter, etc.) may be coupled to a structural element (e.g., a portionof frame 12, etc.) above the cab 16. In some embodiments, the placementof the battery pod assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 10A-10B is preferred for arear-loading refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the placement ofthe battery pod assembly 20 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B facilitates movingweight (e.g., battery weight, etc.) forward on the refuse vehicle 10(e.g., toward the cab 16 and away from the tailgate 34, etc.), therebyreducing stress on rear load-bearing components (e.g., a rear axle,etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B and 12A-12B, the refuse vehicle 10includes one or more batteries 100 (e.g., electrical energy storagedevices, battery cells, housings including battery cells, etc.) forproviding electrical power or electrical energy to various electricalcomponents of the refuse vehicle 10, according to an exemplaryembodiment. For example, the batteries 100 can provide or dischargeelectrical energy to power one or more components, devices, liftassemblies, compaction apparatuses, chassis systems, body systems,accessories, lights, etc., of the refuse vehicle 10. The batteries 100described herein may be the same as or similar to the battery podassembly 20 described in greater detail above, according to oneexemplary embodiment. In another exemplary embodiments, the batteries100 described herein can be housings that are structurally coupled withthe refuse vehicle 10 that include battery cells (e.g., batteries 80).

Referring particularly to FIGS. 11A-11D, the batteries 100 can bepositioned between rails of the frame 12, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The frame 12 can include a left frame member 15 and a rightframe member 13 that are spaced apart in a lateral directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The frame 12 extends inand/or defines a longitudinal direction of the refuse vehicle 10. Thebatteries 100 can be spaced apart along the left frame member 15 and theright frame member 13. Referring particularly to FIGS. 11C-11D, theright frame member 13 and the left frame member 15 can be C-shapedbrackets (shown in FIG. 11C), L-shaped brackets (shown in FIG. 11D), orany other shaped brackets. The right frame member 13 and the left framemember 15 define a space, a volume, an area, a gap, etc., therebetween,shown as space 17. The space 17 may have a height that is substantiallyequal to a height (e.g., in a lateral direction) of the right framemember 13 and the left frame member 15. In some embodiments, thebatteries 100 are positioned within the space 17 between the right framemember 13 and the left frame member 15. In some embodiments, thebatteries 100 are positioned between the right frame member 13 and theleft frame member 15 and are longitudinally spaced (as shown in at leastFIGS. 11A-11B) along the frame 12. The batteries 100 can be equallyspaced along the frame 12, or unevenly spaced.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 11C-11D, the batteries 100 can becoupled with the right frame member 13 and the left frame member 15along a top, a bottom, or sides of the batteries 100. For example, thebatteries 100 can be coupled with the right frame member 13 and the leftframe member 15 through fasteners 26 and dampers 24. The dampers 24 canbe positioned between an interior surface of the right or left framemembers 13 or 15 and an exterior surface of the batteries 100 (or ahousing thereof) to absorb vibrations that may occur when the refusevehicle 10 operates (e.g., as the refuse vehicle 10 transports). Thefasteners 26 may pass through an opening of the dampers 24 and extend adistance into the batteries 100 (e.g., a housing of the batteries 100)and at least partially into the right frame member 13 or the left framemember 15.

In some embodiments, a top portion, a top edge, an upper periphery,etc., of the frame 12 defines a first plane or a first boundary 28(e.g., an upper periphery or boundary of the space 17), and a bottomportion, a bottom edge, a lower periphery, etc., of the frame 12 definesa second plane or a second boundary 48 (e.g., a lower periphery orboundary of the space 17). In some embodiments, the batteries 100 arepositioned entirely within the space 17 between the first boundary 28and the second boundary 48. In some embodiments, the batteries 100 arepositioned above the second boundary 48 so that the batteries 100 do notprotrude downwards beyond the second boundary 48.

In some embodiments, dampers 24 and fasteners 26 are used to couple thebatteries 100 with a bottom portion 42 of the right frame member 13 andthe left frame member 15 (e.g., if the frame members 13 and 15 includebottom flanges such as in the L-shaped and C-shaped configurations shownin FIGS. 11C-11D). In some embodiments, the batteries 100 rest on top ofthe bottom portions 42 of the right frame member 13 and the left framemember 15 (e.g., with or without the dampers 24 positionedtherebetween). In some embodiments, the dampers 24 and fasteners 26 arearranged along a top or bottom surface to absorb longitudinalvibrations, and/or along sides of the batteries 100 to absorb transverseor lateral vibrations.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 12A-12C, the batteries 100 can bepositioned between the frame 12 and the body 14 (e.g., in a floor of thebody 14). In some embodiments, the body 14 and the frame 12 define aspace 19 therebetween (e.g., between a floor surface 66 of the body 14and a top surface or upper periphery of the frame 12). The batteries 100can be positioned within the space 19 and spaced longitudinally alongthe frame 12 and the body 14 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12C). In someembodiments, the batteries 100 are fastened to the body 14 and hang froman underside of the body 14. In some embodiments, the batteries 100 arecoupled with the body 14 and/or the frame 12 similarly to as describedin greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11D. In someembodiments, the batteries 100 hang from the underside of the body 14,or are positioned within a floor of the body 14. The batteries 100 canextend downwards and terminate at an upper surface of the frame 12,terminate above the upper surface of the frame 12, or extend into thespace 17 between the frame members 13 and 15. In some embodiments, thebatteries 100 are also coupled with the frame 12.

The batteries 100 can be positioned at least partially within the space19 defined by the body 14 and the frame 12. In some embodiments, thebatteries 100 extend upwards into a space 64 within the body 14 so thatthe batteries 100 are at least partially positioned within the space 64.For example, the batteries 100 can be positioned at a floor surface 66of the body 14 and may extend at least partially downwards into thespace 19 between the body 14 and the frame 12 (e.g., terminating withinthe space 19, terminating at a boundary of the space 19, etc.).

Referring particularly to FIG. 13A, the body 14 may include a rightframe member 82 and a left frame member 84 (e.g., a right body framemember and a left body frame member), according to an exemplaryembodiment. The right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 ofthe body 14 extend in a same direction as the frame 12. Specifically,the right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 extend in thelongitudinal direction along at least a portion of an entirelongitudinal length of the body 14. The right frame member 82 and theleft frame member 84 can be spaced apart a lateral distance that isequal to, greater than, or less than the lateral spacing of the rightframe member 13 and the left frame member 15. The right frame member 13and the left frame member 15 are chassis frame members, while the rightframe member 82 and the left frame member 84 are body frame members. Theright frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 can be continuousstructural members that extend substantially an entire length of thebody 14, or may be multiple discrete sections that extend along theentire length of the body 14. The right frame member 82 and the leftframe member 84 can be configured to abut, rest upon, etc., the rightframe member 13 and the left frame member 15, or may be configured toextend along lateral outer surfaces of the right frame member 13 and theleft frame member 15, respectively, or may be configured to extend alonglateral inwards surfaces of the right frame member 13 and the left framemember 15, respectively. In any of these configurations, the body 14 isfixedly coupled with the frame 12 through the frame members 82 and 84and the frame members 13 and 15. The right frame member 82 and the leftframe member 84 are rails, bars, beams, etc., and may have an I-shape, arectangular shape, a T-shape, an L-shape, etc. The right frame member 82and the left frame member 84 extend from an underside or bottom surfaceof the body 14, or may extend downwards from the floor surface 66 of thebody 14 (e.g., the floor surface 66 of the refuse compartment 30).

As shown in FIG. 13A and described in greater detail above, the rightframe member 13 and the left frame member 15 define the space 17therebetween. The right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84similarly define a space 74 therebetween. The batteries 100 can bepositioned between the right frame member 13 and the left frame member15, and also between the right frame member 82 and the left frame member84. Specifically, the batteries 100 can be positioned within both thespace 17 and the space 74. The batteries 100 can be fixedly coupled withthe right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 of the body 14(e.g., fastened), fixedly coupled with the right frame member 13 and theleft frame member 15 of the frame 12 (e.g., fastened), hung fromunderside of the body 14 (e.g., from the floor surface 66), and mayextend into the space 74, or the space 17. For example, in someembodiments, the batteries 100 hang from the floor surface 66 and extendinto the space 74 and/or the space 17.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, the batteries 100 can also be stackedrelative to each other (e.g., in a vertical direction as shown) andpositioned within the spaces 17 and 72. As shown in FIG. 13B, thebatteries 100 can be positioned within both the spaces 17 and 72, withone of the batteries 100 positioned at least partially within the space17, and another of the batteries 100 positioned at least partiallywithin the space 74. In other embodiments, the batteries 100 are stackedrelative to each other in a lateral direction between the right framemember 13 and the left frame member 15, between the right frame member82 and the left frame member 84, or between both the right frame member13 and the left frame member 15 and the right frame member 82 and theleft frame member 84.

Referring to FIG. 13C, the batteries 100 are positioned within the space74 between the right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84, butnot within the space 17 between the right frame member 82 and the leftframe member 84, according to another embodiment. In this embodiment,the batteries 100 are positioned proximate the underside of the body 14(e.g., beneath the surface 66) but above the frame 12. Advantageously,positioning the batteries 100 as shown in FIG. 13C facilitates a tighterconfiguration with the batteries 100 shielded from debris or objects asthe refuse vehicle 10 travels, due to the relative positioning betweenthe batteries 100 and the underside of the body 14, between thelongitudinal frames 82 and 84 of the body 14. The batteries 100 can becoupled with the body 14 by hanging from the underside of the body 14,fixed coupling with the batteries 100 and the right and left framemembers 82 and 84, or both. The batteries 100 can be coupled with theright and left frame members 82 and 84 similarly as the batteries 100are coupled with the right and left frame members 13 and 15 as describedin greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 11C-11D.

Referring to FIG. 13D, the batteries 100 are positioned at leastpartially, or entirely, within a space 86 of the body 14, according tovarious exemplary embodiments. The space 86 is a tunnel, recessed area,or offset area relative to the floor surface 66 of the body 14. In thisway, when the batteries 100 are positioned at least partially orentirely within the space 86, the batteries 100 extend upwards into thespace 86 of the body 14 above the floor surface 66 of the body 14. Inany of the configurations where the batteries 100 extend at leastpartially into the space 86, the batteries 100 may rest atop a topsurface of the frame 12 (e.g., the right and left frame members 13 and15), may be coupled with the right frame member 82 and the left framemember 84 of the body 14, and/or may be coupled with the right and leftframe members 13 and 15. In any of the configurations where thebatteries 100 extend at least partially into the space 86 of the body14, the batteries 100 can extend between the right frame member 82 andthe left frame member 84, or may extend between both (i) the right framemember 82 and the left frame member 84 of the body 14, and (ii) theright frame member 13 and the left frame member 15 of the frame 12.

The space 86 may be a tunnel or void that extends in the longitudinaldirection along the body 14. The space 86 can also extend in the lateraldirection along a width of the body 14. For example, the space 86 mayextend in the lateral direction a distance that is substantially equalto a lateral spacing of the right frame member 82 and the left framemember 84 of the body 14, or a distance that is greater than a lateralspacing of the right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84. Thespace 86 can be an area that a prime mover (e.g., electric motor 18) anda transmission of the refuse vehicle 10 are positioned. The space 86 canalso accommodate positioning of one or more of the batteries 100 asdescribed herein.

Referring particularly to FIG. 13E, the batteries 100 are shownextending into the space 86 of the body 14, while occupying spacebetween the first frame member 82 and the second frame member 84 of thebody 14, but not occupying space between the first frame member 13 andthe second frame member 15 of the frame 12. Particularly, the batteries100 can be stacked or rest on top of the right frame member 13 and theleft frame member 15 of the frame 12, and extend upwards, past the floorsurface 66 of the body 14, into the space 86 of the body 14. In someembodiments, the batteries 100 are fixedly coupled (e.g., fastened) withthe right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 of the body 14,and extend upwards into the space 86 of the body 14. In someembodiments, the right frame member 82 and the left frame member 84 ofthe body 14 rest upon a top surface of the right frame member 13 and theleft frame member 15 of the frame 12. The batteries 100 can be stackedon top of each other and at least partially extend into the space 86 ofthe body 14.

Referring particularly to FIG. 13F, the batteries 100 can be positionedto extend into the space 86, and to also extend into the space 17between the first frame member 13 and the second frame member 15 of theframe 12. The batteries 100 can be fixedly coupled with the right framemember 13 and the left frame member 15 of the frame 12, and can beconfigured to extend through the space 74 defined between the rightframe member 82 and the left frame member 84 of the body 14, and atleast partially into the space 86. In some embodiments, the batteries100 hang from an upper surface of the body 14 within the space 86 (e.g.,the batteries 100 are hung from a surface 88 of the body 14) and extendinto the space 86. The batteries 100, when hung from the surface 88 ofthe body 14 may also extend downwards, past the floor surface 66 intothe space 74 between the right frame member 82 and the left frame member84 of the body 14, and/or extend past the right frame member 82 and theleft frame member 84 of the body 14, at least partially into the space17 between the right frame member 13 and the left frame member 15 of theframe 12.

Advantageously, positioning the batteries 100 between the frame 12 andthe body 14 (as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C) or between the right framemember 13 and the left frame member 15 (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D)facilitates a robust and compact packaging and placement of thebatteries 100. Further, positioning the batteries 100 as shown in FIG.11A-11D or 12A-12C facilitates a lower center of gravity of the refusevehicle 10, thereby reducing a likelihood of rollover and improving ridestability. In some embodiments, the batteries 100 are configured tostore and provide electrical energy for usage on the refuse vehicle 10(e.g., for use by the electric motor 18 to facilitate transportation ofthe refuse vehicle 10 or any other electric motor of the refuse vehicle10). For example, the batteries 100 can be configured to provideelectrical energy for one or more chassis operations or body operations(e.g., to operate a lift assembly of the refuse vehicle 10). In someembodiments, the batteries 100 facilitate a fully or semi electricrefuse vehicle.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device)may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard diskstorage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one ormore processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of therefuse vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, anyelement disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized withany other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of anelement from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized inanother embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciatedthat other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated orutilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electrified vehicle comprising: achassis including a right frame member and a left frame member spacedapart in a lateral direction, the right frame member and the left framemember both comprising vertical portions, first end portions extendingfrom first ends of the vertical portions towards each other, and secondend portions extending from second ends of the vertical portions towardseach other, the right frame member and the left frame member configuredto support a cab and a body, the right frame member and the left framemember extending lengthwise in a longitudinal direction; and a pluralityof battery cells positioned along the chassis, wherein the plurality ofbattery cells are coupled with the right frame member and the left framemember by fasteners that couple with the vertical portions of the rightframe member and the left frame member.
 2. The electrified vehicle ofclaim 1, where the plurality of battery cells are positioned between theright frame member and the left frame member.
 3. The electrified vehicleof claim 2, wherein a lower periphery of the right frame member and theleft frame member, an upper periphery of the right frame member and theleft frame member, and inwards facing surfaces of the right frame memberand the left frame member define a space within which the plurality ofbattery cells are positioned.
 4. The electrified vehicle of claim 1,wherein the plurality of battery cells are positioned below an undersideof the body.
 5. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of battery cells comprise a stack of multiple battery cells.6. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of batterycells are disposed within one or more housings, each of the one or morehousings supported by the right frame member and the left frame member.7. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a front axlecoupled to the chassis and a rear axle coupled to the chassis, whereinthe plurality of battery cells are positioned forward of the rear axle.8. The electrified vehicle of claim 7, wherein the plurality of batterycells are a first plurality of battery cells, further comprising asecond plurality of battery cells positioned rearward of the rear axle.9. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of batterycells are a first plurality of battery cells, further comprising asecond plurality of battery cells centered along a longitudinal axisdefined by the chassis.
 10. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, whereinan uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery cells is spaced adistance below a point at which the body contacts a top surface of thechassis.
 11. The electrified vehicle of claim 9, wherein a lowermostperiphery of the plurality of battery cells extends below the chassis.12. The electrified vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a tractiveassembly coupled to the chassis; a generator supported by the chassis,the generator configured to charge the plurality of battery cells; andan electric motor supported by the chassis, the electric motor poweredby the plurality of battery cells to drive the tractive assembly. 13.The electrified vehicle of claim 12, further comprising a fluid system,wherein the electric motor is powered by the plurality of battery cellsto drive the fluid system.
 14. An electrified vehicle comprising: achassis including: a right frame member; and a left frame member spacedfrom the right frame member; wherein the right frame member and the leftframe member each have a vertical portion and flanges at opposite endsof the vertical portion, the flanges of the right frame member and theleft frame member extending laterally inwards towards each other; afront axle coupled to the chassis; a rear axle coupled to the chassis; acab coupled to the chassis; a body coupled to the chassis; an electricmotor coupled to the chassis, the electric motor configured to drive atleast one of the front axle or the rear axle; and a plurality of batterypacks electrically coupled to the electric motor; wherein the pluralityof battery packs are supported by the chassis with couplings that (a)are positioned along the right frame member and the left frame memberand (b) engage with the right frame member and the left frame membervertically between the opposite ends of the vertical portions; andwherein an uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery packs isspaced a distance below a point at which the body contacts a top surfaceof the chassis.
 15. The electrified vehicle of claim 14, wherein theplurality of battery packs include a first battery pack and a secondbattery pack positioned forward of the rear axle, further comprising athird battery pack positioned rearward of the rear axle.
 16. Theelectrified vehicle of claim 14, wherein the plurality of battery packsinclude a first battery pack and a second battery pack, furthercomprising a third battery pack centered along a longitudinal axisdefined by the chassis.
 17. The electrified vehicle of claim 14, whereina lowermost periphery of the plurality of battery packs extends belowthe chassis.
 18. The electrified vehicle of claim 14, further comprisinga generator coupled to the chassis, the generator configured to chargethe plurality of battery packs.
 19. The electrified vehicle of claim 14,further comprising a fluid system, wherein the electric motor is poweredby the plurality of battery packs to drive the fluid system.
 20. Anelectrified vehicle comprising: a chassis defining an longitudinal axis,the chassis including: a right frame member; and a left frame memberspaced from the right frame member; wherein the right frame member andthe left frame member each have a medial portion, a first flange at anupper end of the medial portion, and a second flange at a lower end ofthe medial portion, the first flange of the right frame member and thefirst flange of the left frame member extending inwards towards eachother, the second flange of the right frame member and the second flangeof the left frame member extending inwards towards each other; a frontaxle coupled to the chassis; a rear axle coupled to the chassis; a cabcoupled to the chassis; a body coupled to the chassis; a plurality ofbattery packs including a first battery pack, a second battery pack, anda third battery pack; an electric motor coupled to the chassis andelectrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of battery packs,the electric motor configured to drive at least the rear axle; and agenerator coupled to the chassis and electrically coupled to at leastone of the plurality of battery packs; wherein an upper periphery of atleast the first battery pack and the second battery pack is positionedlower than the first flange of the right frame member and the left framemember; wherein the first battery pack and the second battery pack aresupported by the right frame member and the left frame member forward ofthe rear axle by couplings at the medial portion of the right framemember and the left frame member; and wherein the third battery pack isat least one of positioned rearward of the rear axle or centered aboutthe longitudinal axis.